In the calendar of our tradition, we celebrate the beginning of Lent as Ash Wednesday.
Another word for Lent is spring.
The poet Rilke writes, “It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.”
At the time of Lent, we engage in spring cleaning, making our homes sparkle with radiance and newness.
When I was a child, I gave up putting brown sugar on my porridge for Lent.
Today, as this country is in the throes of an election, we can consider that the deeper meaning of Lent is not so much giving something up as it is making a new engagement.
I recall the words of the prophet of the United Farm Workers: “Sí se puede.” “Yes we can.” This slogan carried Obama to the presidency as it echoed around America.
We see Lent through the lens of a great cosmic event. As we give and receive ashes, we give thanks when we say and hear the words “repent and believe in the gospel.”
This spiritual practice offers a sacred opportunity for a springtime in my soul.